MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Tryouts for the varsity men's basketball team are currently being held in the Semper Fit Center gymnasium, Monday through Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The trials started Aug. 9, giving active duty and reserve Marines and Sailors at the air station an opportunity to try out for the team, which will begin play Sept. 15. However, servicemembers can try out anytime, even after the season has begun.        

Master Gunnery Sgt. James A. Stewart, Headquarters and Services Battalion, Service Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, has been coaching Miramar's varsity men's basketball team for five years and according to the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and officer in charge West Coast food management team, potential players must have heart and a willingness to learn in order to make the team.

"I want to give everybody on base an opportunity to come and make the team. When I pick players, I look for skill, attitude, and a desire to play the game," said Stewart, a Baltimore, Md., native. "Basically I want players who are willing to work hard enough to compete to the next level."

Players begin the tryouts by stretching, running four laps and then going to the baseline to execute sprints, skipping and any other exercise the coach deems necessary.

After warming up, each player has an opportunity to practice drills such as lay-ups, slam-dunks and different passes.

The players then play actual games against one another, giving Stewart an opportunity to evaluate them. Stewart might even stop the players in the middle of the game to test their endurance, such as sitting against a wall for two minutes.

After the practice, Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Howard, administrative clerk, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, was ready to go home.

"I'm worn out and exhausted," said Howard, a Portland, Ore., native. "But I'm ready to come back and do it again tomorrow. I know it sounds cliché, but it's all for the love of the game."

Stewart evaluates the Marines on their quickness, agility and abilities. He also looks at the players by their position, so it benefits the team as a whole.

The team will be playing at a junior college level, competing against other armed forces and junior college teams on the West Coast.

"You have players who come in the Marine Corps who played basketball when they were in high school," explained Stewart. "This gives them a chance to play at a competitive level. This is their college basketball."

Twelve players and two extras will be selected to represent Miramar during the season, which consists of approximately 80 games, ending in May with the men's regionals.

"The regionals give players a chance to represent the Marine Corps with their skills," mentioned Stewart. "Scouts who teach the all-Marine team come out to the tournament and pick individuals to go to their three-week camp."   

In the five years Stewart has been coaching, Miramar's varsity team has come in second place every year.

"This is a very competitive sport and to win you have to have teamwork," explained Cpl. Allen K. Jones, avionics operations specialist, H&HS. "If you work hard and are willing to do whatever it takes, you have a good chance of making the team."

According to Jones, a two-year veteran, playing competitive basketball is like a big family.

"There will be some days where you just want to sit down, but everybody's going through it together and that keeps you going. The camaraderie is definitely here," said Jones.

For more information contact Stewart at (760) 725-3968 or the Semper Fit Sports Office at (858) 577-1202.